Getting to Know the Chemical Contaminants Lurking in Your Cosmetic Products

The cosmetic production process involves various stages, including the mixing of raw materials, dissolution, heating, cooling, and purification. These stages can be factors contributing to product contamination. One of the contaminants is the compound 1,4-dioxane, as well as nitrosamines.

Getting to Know 1,4-Dioxane Compound

1,4-Dioxane is a contaminant found in several cosmetic products, typically in small amounts, but it is hazardous and carcinogenic in nature. This compound is formed as a byproduct during the manufacturing process of certain cosmetic ingredients through ethoxylation reactions. 

It is known that the presence of 1,4-dioxane can become carcinogenic with long-term use. A study conducted in Denmark examined 76 body care products, such as shampoos, soaps, detergents, and other cleaning products. It was found that 82% of cosmetic products and 85% of cleaning products contained 1,4-dioxane.

A 2016 report from the National Toxicology Program of the Department of Health and Human Services (NTP) found that 1,4-dioxane may act as a carcinogen to humans based on evidence of carcinogenicity from studies on laboratory animals. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified 1,4-dioxane as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” The FDA has not yet conducted hazard identification and risk assessment related to exposure to 1,4-dioxane as a contaminant in cosmetic products.

 However, two recent international scientific studies on trace contamination levels of 1,4-dioxane in cosmetics (conducted by the International Cooperation on Cosmetics Regulations (ICCR) and the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Commission) were published. In an independent risk assessment, the SCCS concluded that the levels of 1,4-dioxane in cosmetic products are considered safe for consumers at or below 10 ppm (SCCS, 2015).

Several processes can lead to the formation of 1,4-dioxane as a contaminant, including the synthesis of ethylene oxide. When ethylene oxide is used in chemical reactions, particularly in the production of surfactants and preservatives, 1,4-dioxane can be formed as a byproduct. Some hydroxylation reactions involving certain compounds may also generate 1,4-dioxane, and the use of specific solvents in cosmetic formulations can introduce this contaminant, depending on the quality and purification processes of the raw materials.

To ensure safety, it is advisable to use cosmetic products that are registered and approved for distribution by the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM). If you experience any adverse effects, such as itching, rashes, or redness of the skin after using a particular cosmetic product, it is recommended to discontinue use and consult a doctor for treatment if there has indeed been exposure to harmful cosmetic ingredients.

In contrast to the presence of heavy metals in cosmetics, which are usually found in low concentrations, the effects or impacts may not be immediately perceived by users. These effects may manifest after prolonged use or even several years later. Metals in cosmetics can accumulate and have direct effects on the skin, or they may be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, accumulating in the body and causing toxic effects in various organs.